Complications after mandibular distraction osteogenesis: a retrospective study of 131 patients.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence and severity of complications after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) with internal devices. STUDY DESIGN The study was a retrospective analysis of 131 patients (mean age: 16.2 years) consecutively treated by mandibular DO from 1998 to 2009. Ninety-two patients had unilateral and 39 had bilateral distraction, yielding a total of 170 procedures. The mean follow-up period was 21 months. Severity of complications was ranked in terms of need of intervention and risk of a compromised outcome. RESULTS Minor, moderate, and severe complications occurred in 58%, 8%, and 3% of the patients, respectively. Most minor complications were related to device activation or temporary hypesthesia. Moderate complications often related to hardware, whereas severe complications occurred in 4 patients with sensory deficit or temporomandibular joint problems. CONCLUSIONS Although minor complications were frequent, they did not compromise treatment outcome, so mandibular DO is considered a safe method for correction of mandibular deformities. Moreover, some of the complications could be prevented by proper precautions.